The two results mean Liverpool must beat the Swiss side at Anfield on December 9 to reach the last-16.

However, Ancelotti thinks Basle will progress because they are fitter.

He said: “Basle are in better shape than Liverpool at the moment, they are in very good physical condition.

“Basle can certainly compete in Liverpool. They are physically strong, like to play well and are well-organised. Though it is always difficult at Anfield, I see Basle having a slight advantage against Liverpool.”

The Reds endured a roller-coaster night, falling behind in the third minute after goalkeeper Simon Mignolet fumbled and Dani Abalo pounced to score.

Liverpool player ratings (v Ludogorets)

Liverpool player ratings (v Ludogorets)

1/11
Simon Mignolet: 3

His butter fingers cost Liverpool a goal and he looked jittery thereafter. His place is under considerable pressure and it would not be surprising to see Brendan Rodgers buy a replacement either in January or next summer.

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2/11
Javier Manquillo: 6

The full-back performed decently both in attack and defence, is a willing runner and was never beaten by his man.

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3/11
Kolo Toure: 7

Should keep his place in the team for the match at the weekend, comfortable (bar near error) and the much more impressive of the two centre-backs.

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4/11
Martin Skrtel: 4

Dejan Lovren has taken all the flak this season but Martin Skrtel has been just as bad, another poor display against an inferior team.

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5/11
Glen Johnson: 4

Never has been a good defender, never will. Beaten at the corner that led to Ludogorets’ late equaliser

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6/11
Lucas Leiva: 6

Held the middle of the park well, providing good protection in front of the back four. Another who should get more of a look in on the home front.

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7/11
Joe Allen: 6

A quiet if assured performance.; kept possession well without ever really asserting himself on the Bulgarians.

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8/11
Jordan Henderson: 5

An excellent finish for the goal, but still does not look fully fit or as dynamic as he did last season. In need of a rest but not likely to get one.

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9/11
Steven Gerrard: 4

Pushed further forward by Rodgers but completely ineffectual, bar one pass to Sterling. Desperately in need of a spell on the sidelines.

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10/11
Raheem Sterling: 5

Liverpool’s best attacker and a great cross for the second goal; but he spurned a brilliant opportunity to make it 3-1.

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11/11
Rickie Lambert: 7

Liverpool’s best player, couldn’t ask much more from a lone striker. Held the ball up well and got on the scoresheet.

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Rickie Lambert’s second goal in as many games and a Jordan Henderson strike turned things around before the break but Georgi Terziev nicked an equaliser at the death.

Mignolet has made a number of errors this season but Rodgers refused to blame him.